THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23780, 7 October 1940, Page 4

THE LEAGUE CODE

SURPRISE VICTORY CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS NORTH SHORE'S FINE DISPLAY North Shore created a surprise by defeating Richmond in the Auckland Rugby League's champion of champions match played at Carlaw Park on Saturday in fine weather. North Shore was eight points behind at half-time, but its forwards, playing dashing football, subsequently shaded the Richmond set. There were many exciting moments in the second half, aiul the splendid recovery staged by North Shore greatly pleased a crowd of about 5000. Richmond had previously won tho senior championship and the Roope Rooster competition. At the conclusion of the game the North Shore players were introduced to the crowd, and Mr. J. Storniont, on behalf of the 6tormont family, presented each player with a gold medal. The Storniont Memorial Shield also goes to North Shore. In the semi-final for tho Phelan Shield, Manukau defeated City. Mount Albert will play Manukau in tho final next Saturday The scores were as follows: — Champion of Champions.—Storniont Memorial Shield: North Shore, 15, Richmond, J 0. Phelan Shield.—Semi-final: Manukau. 27. City. 1(5, SPLENDID RECOVERY STAGED From what appeared a hopeless position. North Shore staged a great recovery to reduce its deficit and go on to beat Richmond, one of the most consistent teams seen in Auckland for some years. There was a great deal of merit in North 6horc's win, for its bncks gave a very poor showing in the first half. In fact, Richmond was definitely the better team all round in the first spell, and the score of 10 points to 2 at half-time could easily have been larger. _ Macintosh won the ball from set scrums for North Shore, but tho backs, particularly the five-eighths, Clarke and Chatham, could do little on attack. The Richmond backs, on the other hand, played constructive football and at times tho game was very one-sided. However, on changing ends, different tactics wero adopted. The North Shore halfback. McArthur, varied his play so as to give the forwards control. The vanguard did somo effective work and gained the ascendency over the Richmond forwards. The North Shore forwards hunted as a pack and used their speed In the loose. Every attempt by tho Richmond backs to start an offensive was checked by fast-raiding attacks. Peterson, Scott and Napier did some great tackling until the Richmond backs wavered under the pressure. Good following up bv E. Scott gained the initial success for »orth Shore, and the same forward figured prominently in the next try. The tackling on both sides was deadly. A great solo run by Petersen roused the spectators to excite.ment and the applause was prolonged when North Shore gained the lead. The Richmond forwards were splendid in defeat, and the game was played in an excellent spirit. The fast and devastating raids of the North Shoro forwards won tho day. There was no hotter forward on the ground than Macintosh, the North Shore hooker, who, besides doing good work in the tight, was always prominent in tho 'final efforts. Petersen also stood out. E. Scott dropped a few passes in the first half, but made amends by his excellent support to tho backs, and Ins tireless following up. Graham. Fields and Nanier all did their share in tho second half, Smith, at fullback, gave one of the best displays seen at Carlaw Park this season. His excellent line kicking saved the forwards a lot of unnecessary running. His defence was superb. V. Scott played a heady game at centre and was especially sound on defence. Mc Arthur did splendid work at halfback, and his heady play was a feature of the game. Neither Clarke nor Chatham Impressed at five-eighths, although the pair did better in the second half. Davis was the most dangerous wing man.

In the first half, Solomon played a brilliant game on attack, and was ably supported by Graham and Tittleton. The barks did not (ret the same opportunities in the second half. Among the Richmond forwards. Mitchell played a splendid game, as did Devine, Davis and McLcod. For North Shore, tries were scored by E. Scott. Graham and Davis. Smith kicked two penalty goals and converted one try. I" or Richmond. Solomon and McLcod scored a try each. McLcod converted both tries. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. Phelan Shield Match. —Manukau defeated City in the semi-final of the Phelan Shield competition, hut only after the losers had made a splendid effort to retain an early lead. The City forwards gave a fine display, and it was only the better finish of the Manukau backs that proved the deciding factor. Halfway through the second half. J. Gould, the City winger, scored two excellent tries and Manukau was hard-pressed at this stage. However, in the last 15 minutes, Manukau dominated the game and won by 27 points to Kl. Among the Manukau forwards Watene. Ririnui and Moyes played fine games. Deverall and Hemj were the pick of the backs. The best back on the ground was J. Gould, the City winger, whose pace and clever running were a feature. H. Mataira ably led the City forwards and wag well supported by Jackson. For Manukau. tries were scored by Hcmi (2). Deverall (2), Butler. Watene and Ririnui. Hcmi converted three tries. For City, J.v Gould scored two tries and Hutchinson and C. Gould one each. Clarke converted two tries. Mr. K. Mclver was referee.